Rules for Brainstorming • No Criticism Allowed People tend to automatically evaluate each suggested idea--their own as well as others. Both internal and external criticisms are to be avoided while brainstorming. Neither positive nor negative comments are allowed. Either type inhibits the free flow of thought and requires time which interferes with the next rule. Write each spoken idea down as it is given and move on.
•Work for Quantity: Alex Osborn stated that "Quantity breeds quality." People must experience a "brain drain" (get all the common responses out of the way) before the innovative, creative ideas can surface; therefore, the more ideas, the more likely they are to be quality ideas.
•Hitchhiking Welcome: Hitchhiking occurs when one member's idea produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea in another member. All ideas should be recognized.
•Freewheeling Encouraged: Outrageous, humorous, and seemingly unimportant ideas should be recorded. It is not uncommon for the most off-the-wall ideas to plant the seeds for great ideas.
Rules for Brainstorming
• No Criticism Allowed People tend to automatically evaluate each suggested idea--their own as well as others. Both internal and external criticisms are to be avoided while brainstorming. Neither positive nor negative comments are allowed. Either type inhibits the free flow of thought and requires time which interferes with the next rule. Write each spoken idea down as it is given and move on.
•Work for Quantity: Alex Osborn stated that "Quantity breeds quality." People must experience a "brain drain" (get all the common responses out of the way) before the innovative, creative ideas can surface; therefore, the more ideas, the more likely they are to be quality ideas.
•Hitchhiking Welcome: Hitchhiking occurs when one member's idea produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea in another member. All ideas should be recognized.
•Freewheeling Encouraged: Outrageous, humorous, and seemingly unimportant ideas should be recorded. It is not uncommon for the most off-the-wall ideas to plant the seeds for great ideas.